DENVER, May 3 -- Four-legged and feathered stars of Hollywood Animal Actors at Universal Studios Theme Parks in Hollywood, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., have joined with the American Humane Association to celebrate the 92nd annual Be Kind to Animals Week(r), May 7 – 13. Since 1915, Be Kind to Animals Week has been held to honor the ways animals enrich people's lives and to teach children the importance of kindness and compassion. The oldest national organization dedicated to protecting children and animals, the American Humane Association promotes this national event as a way to create a more humane society.

"Universal Studios Hollywood is delighted to partner with the American Humane Association to celebrate the unique bond people share with their pets," said John Murdy, creative director at Universal Studios Hollywood. "Throughout the week, young guests at our Hollywood Animal Actors show will receive a beautiful poster to help inspire appreciation for the love and companionship our animals give so freely."

American Humane Association President and CEO Marie Belew Wheatley is excited about partnering with one of the most influential entertainment companies in the nation. "Working with Universal Studios is a powerful way to reach thousands more families with our Be Kind to Animals message. Fiona the pot- bellied pig, Sparky the parrot from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and Duke, the sly canine mascot for Bush's Baked Beans, all have an important message to share with people of all ages: 'Be kind to animals. The benefits are Universal,'" said Wheatley.

Want to join in the Be Kind to Animals Week celebration?

Here are some simple things you can do during the week and throughout the year to show kindness to animals:

Speak out for animals. Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation. Also register on the American Humane Association's Web site at http://www.americanhumane.org/
takeaction to receive timely Action Alerts about issues affecting animals. You'll be able to make a difference for animals with just the click of your mouse.

Report animal abuse. While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for other violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime.

Appreciate wildlife. Leave room in your yard for habitats. Make a bird or bat house.

Share kindness. Teach the people in your life -- especially children -- about the importance of being kind to animals.

Make a donation to your local animal shelter. A donation can be any number of contributions, from your time or money, to needed items like pet food or laundry detergent.

Adopt a pet from a shelter or breed placement group. Approximately eight million to 12 million animals enter our nation's shelters every year, and more than half of these pets will have to be euthanized because of a lack of homes. Local shelters are the best place to find companion animals -- no matter what type you're looking for. Keep in mind that one out of every four dogs in shelters is a purebred.

Help solve the tragedy of euthanasia of adoptable animals by not contributing to the problem. If you have pets, make sure they are spayed or neutered. Pets should be microchipped and always wear a collar with an ID tag, so they can be returned home quickly if they are ever lost.

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the oldest national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, the American Humane Association develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(r) between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed(r)" End Credit Disclaimer on TV and film productions, and American Humane's office in the Washington, D.C., area is an advocate for child and animal protection at the state and federal levels. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org to learn more.